Volvo Trucks will once again be exhibiting at the Commercial Vehicle Show to be held at the NEC, Birmingham from 15th to 17th April 2008. Together with quality and safety, care for the environment is one of Volvo’s core values. They are at the heart of the company’s products, programmes and complementary services. So too is cutting fuel costs. Reducing fuel consumption is one of the key issues for operators today. It is a matter which concerns not only efficiency and business margins, but also the environment.
Volvo has responded to the challenge of reducing fuel consumption with fuel efficient engines and drivelines across its whole range of trucks. In addition, the company’s own internet-based Transport Information System, Dynafleet produces environmental reports on-demand, together with a wealth of information enabling the measurement of driver and vehicle performance.
However, with the introduction of the ‘Fuelwatch’ programme, the CV Show 2008 sees an important addition to the range of measures which Volvo is offering to operators in the search to cut fuel costs.
Fuelwatch focuses on six ways of reducing fuel costs. These are: Optimised Trucks, Preventive Maintenance, Efficiency Upgrades, Dynafleet, Driver Development and Fuel Management Service.
Optimised Trucks
At its most basic level, Volvo Dealers can help customers specify the driveline for their trucks to match operational conditions. Optimising the driveline combination of engine, transmission, differential ratio and tyre types, profiles and correctly positioned aerodynamic aids will help reduce fuel costs.
Preventive Maintenance
Volvo Dealers offer both Repair and Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance contracts from 24/7 workshops. Contracts can be tailored to suit the type of operation and mileage. Maintaining vehicles and monitoring the status of air, cooling and fuel systems helps ensure fuel efficiency.
Efficiency Upgrades
Volvo’s class-leading automated transmission, I-Shift, is a proven factor in reducing fuel costs. Unnecessary gear-shifts can be eliminated and Economy Power software reduces fuel consumption by enhancing the performance of the Volvo engine brake.
Dynafleet
Dynafleet online is a user-friendly, internet-based tool which enables operators to keep track of their vehicles’ performance. It features a variety of functions to help improve fuel efficiency. It can be used to provide fuel usage reports, environmental reports and even monitor fuel-tank levels. The trucks are fitted with Dynafleet hardware and a GPS/ GSM antenna.
Driver Development
A driver development programme focussing on fuel efficient ‘eco-driving’ driving is being rolled out in many European countries.
Fuel Management Service
Volvo Trucks will soon be rolling out a consultancy service for fleet operators. To be called Fuel Management Service, it combines all the elements of Fuelwatch in one package. The service will be available first to customers in the Poland, Benelux and Nordic regions.
Main stand truck display
While there will be some advance information about the imminent launch of a new generation FH and FH16, which was partly revealed to the transport media in the last quarter of 2007, the main product focus on the Volvo stand will remain firmly on the current range of trucks – most of which will be represented in displays either inside or outside the main halls.
Used trucks too will have a place in the display to promote an example of their Selected Used Truck+ programme.
An FM capable of running on synthetic diesel will also be on show to promote awareness of Volvo’s capabilities and position on CO²-free vehicles and alternative fuels.
Components on display on the stand will include a Volvo Hybrid (diesel-electric) driveline, a D13A driveline and an I-Shift transmission demonstration unit.
Complementary products display
Since its launch last year, Volvo has rolled out its commitment to the Genuine Volvo Service programme across the Dealer Network. Customer satisfaction indices continue to show upward growth and many workshop customers are benefiting from enhanced levels of customer service.
The Volvo main stand will feature interactive presentations and informative displays for Genuine Volvo Service, TIS Dynafleet, Volvo Financial Services and also the Volvo Apprenticeship scheme.
The latter, one of the most advanced in Europe, is held in conjunction with the Volvo Dealer Network at Stephenson College, Coalville near Leicester to train Workshop Technicians and Master Technicians for the Volvo Network.
Roadcrew, who are Volvo’s ‘One-Stop-Shop’ parts supplier of trailer parts, workshop consumables and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) workwear, will also have a display on the Volvo stand and staff will also be on hand to answer questions.
It is hoped they will also showcase a working demonstration of Volvo’s new ‘Alcolock’, the factory-fitted or retro-fitted vehicle starting inhibitor that is specially designed for companies with zero-tolerance alcohol regulations. (The unit is currently calibrated to 20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (0.02%) to allow for extraneous alcohol sources, such as aftershave). It is also the only system in the world that is type-approved for the transportation of dangerous goods.